Figure 2. Relation between the left atrium, the pulmonary veins and the esophagus. With the use of multislice CT, the relationship between the esophagus and the posterior left atrium [LA] can be well visualized. (A) In this sagittal view of the LA and left ventricle [LV], the course of the esophagus (arrows) along the posterior LA wall can be appreciated. (B) The 3-dimensional volume-rendered reconstruction shows that the esophagus travels in an oblique fashion from left to right as it travels caudally. There is a close relation between the esophagus (arrows) and the left superior pulmonary vein [LSPV]. Therefore, radiofrequency catheter ablation at the LSPV should be performed with caution to avoid injury to the esophagus in this patient.